All Dressed Up

Today over at SSI, we are cheating.  Normally a Stampin' Up! products only blog, we are indulging in our other favorite stampin' supplies.  Or in my case, some retired Stampin' Up! goodies.  I decided to take my favorite framelits set out for a spin on the Big Shot.  And I think my creation is fabulous, if I do say so myself! 

Here is a tri-fold Congratulations screen card.  The framelits, DSP, stamp set and accessories retired from a few years ago.  I loved the Dress Up framelits.  And I LOVED the Twitterpated DSP.  That paper was so awesome we got to use it for a year and a half.  It started in the Occasions catalog and then was carried over to the Annual Catalog.  Here is the other side:

I left a place to write a message to the lucky recipient of this awesome card. Here are some close ups of each panel/outfit.

I love the scallop Blushing Bride pattern in the paper so I made it a dress with a little crinoline underneath.  I added a white sweater, embossed for some texture, with rhinestone buttons.  There is also a fun Blushing Bride ribbon for a belt.  

So this panel actually has a peek at something new...Blushing Bride Glimmer Paper.  Where can I get this dress for me?  I added a Blushing Bride Twitterpated flower button to the waist of the dress.

Here we have a cute Pear Pizzazz patterned dress with a white blouse and a pear Pizzazz sweater, this time with pearl buttons.  

This patterned paper was so pretty, it had to be an entire dress.  I just love those flowers!  Of course I needed a little Blushing Bride sweater with rhinestone buttons to finish it off.

For this panel I used some Baja Breeze (a retired color) patterned paper and matted on some Whisper White to write a little note.  I added some Baja Breeze ribbon that was adorned with two little buttons.  

Finally the last look is an Island Indigo floral dress with matching sweater.  

I feel like I just narrated a fashion show!  I just love these products and I will never part with them.  Thanks so much for checking out my creation.  Don't forget to check out the other "bad girls" over at SSI where we take a break from current Stampin' Up products.  

December Mystery Challenge

It is the fourth Monday of the month so we have the Mystery Challenge today over at SSI.  Check out the recipe for today's creation:

Such soft pretty colors, right?  I was excited to create for this challenge.  Here is my card:

I decided to make a birthday card for someone with a winter birthday.  The Happy Birthday comes from the Watercolor Words stamp set.  I love those big greetings!  The snowflakes come from the Flurry of Wishes bundle.  I heat embossed the snowflakes in white and then sponged in Soft Sky and Pink Pirouette.  I added some star confetti from Holly Jolly Greetings in Crumb Cake.  I punched the snowflakes out in vellum and added some Crumb Cake snowflakes cut from the Pillow Box Thinlits (which will be retiring, I am sad to say).  I finished it off with the Iced Rhinestones for some sparkle!

Now its your turn to create using any three of these five elements.  Head over to SSI and upload your project!   

Square Pillow Box Die

Merry Christmas to you!  We are sharing our Friday Favorites today at SSI!  I thought I would focus on a retiring bundle that I was so sad to see go.  The Square Pillow Box Die and coordinating stamp set, A Little Something.  If you would like to get the die by itself, it is on sale for the Tear End Close Out.  Here it is:

Here are some cute boxes I made with the Season of Cheer DSP.

Each box hold two Ghiradelli Chololate square.  Here is a close up of each one:

That paper is so pretty, I didn't need to do too much else.  I embossed the Cherry Cobbler with the Stylish Stripes folder and added the sentiment from the A Little Something stamp set.  I wrapped it with some gold Satin ribbon and tied that with some Cherry Cobbler Thick Twine.

Thanks for stopping by and a very Merry Christmas to you!  Check out the other favorites from the fabulous designers over at SSI!  

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas today as we start our festivities today on Christmas Eve.  I have already shared my Christmas Cards with you, so I thought today I would share what went in all of my cards.  My family picture:

In years past we had a great photographer and friend come do out pictures but we just ran out of time this year.  So we improvised and took our own picture.  I love how it came up.  I love how it is in our home and in front of our tree.  And my kiddos are pretty cute as well!  Thanks for looking!  Did you see the rest of the SSI gals and their families?  

A Non-traditional Christmas Color Scheme

In the midst of Christmas Crafting and I feel like my reds and greens could use a break.  So I decided to bust out a pretty Blue, Brown and Cream color combo.  More Stampin' Up! specific, Pool Party, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla.  Here is a quick and easy card:

Okay, maybe it isn't quick and easy, given that there is stamping, framlits, ribbon and a button.  But it did come together super quick.  This was inspired by several samples I saw floating around Pintrest.  I love the tree framelits cutting out the corrugated paper and the music note paper.  I used some DSP from the Home For Christmas Suite.  After placing the trees, I knew I needed some ribbon up at the top.  I decided to go with layering the burlap along with the natural chevron ribbon.  I added a Classy Button with a Linen Thread bow to finish it all off.  Here is a peek inside:  

The sentiment is stamped in Soft Suede and I also added a tree stamped off the edge in Pool Party.  Here is how I decorated the envelope:

I heard someone say that they never allow naked envelopes, and I think with all the fabulous stamps and washi tape, I also need to adopt this idea.  I just stamped that tree in Pool Party on the side.

I love how fast this card came together.  I also love that the Perfect Pines bundle will be around after the Holiday Catalog retires.  It might be a great bundle to get AND earn Sale-A-Bration rewards come January!  And then you can start making Christmas card for next year!  For more unconventional color combos for your holiday cards check out SSI. 

December Inkspiration Challenge

It is Monday so we are back with another great Challenge for you!  Today we have our Inkspiration Challenge where you can create whatever you like based on however the following image inspires you.  Check it out:

Stampin' Up! has a beautiful cardinal stamp set, but I didn't get that one.  I couldn't get the whole Holiday Catalog.  So instead of creating a project with that cardinal, I decided to use the colors and the Bokeh technique for my card.  Check it out:

I sponged on Real Red, Tangerine Tango and a little bit of Daffodil Delight onto some Whisper White.  I then sponged on circles with a stencil made from Circle Framelits and Window Sheet with some white craft ink.  I stamped the sentiment from Jolly Christmas (which is on the Year End Close Out Sale) with the Basic Gray Archival Ink.  I added some silver ribbon and a wooden snowflake embossed with silver.  I matted in on silver foil as well.  

Let's see what you can make now.  Whether you stamp a cardinal, use the colors, try Bokeh, however that image inspires you, create something and upload it over at SSI! 

Oh My Stars!

Today its all about the stars over at SSI!  And I have the perfect card to share for it!  Instead of making an obvious Christmas Card, I made a card for my little neighbor who has been doing an awesome job at preschool!  Here it is:

I have used this color scheme before and I just loved it.  The Night of Navy is a perfect contrast to the softness of the Mint Macaron and Blushing Bride.  Plus I had finally picked up the Blushing Bride sequin trim (and let me tell you, after seeing the new catalog, this was a smart purchase!).  I used four different stamp sets here; Perpetual Calendar, Holly Jolly Greetings, Epic Alphabet and Words of Truth.  The star and bow come from the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits.  And I have to finish it off with a little rhinestone.  This was a fun card to make for a fun little girl!

For more star inkspiration, head back over to SSI where the gals have shared some fabulous projects!  

A Trio of Trees

I am back with another of my Christmas Cards to share with you.  This time I am using the Perfect Pines Bundle.  I just love this set and it will be around for a little bit longer as a Carry Over Item.  There are three different sizes of trees (and framelits) with several sentiments and accessories.  It is a must have for any Christmas Crafter for sure!  Here is my card:

That perfectly plaid print is from the Merry Moments DSP in the Annual Catalog.  I love the combo of Mossy Meadow and Cherry Cobbler.  The tree on the right has some extra texture to it that was easy with all the great framelits that come with the bundle.  I added some Gold Satin Ribbon for a little touch of shine!  Here is the inside of the card:

I loved adding another tree on the inside and that sentiment was perfect!  Here is how I decorated the envelope:

I didn't realize until afterwards that the stamp said Oh Christmas Treat.  But then I thought about it...a handmade Christmas Card really is a treat!  So I just went with it.

Do you need more ideas for Christmas Cards?  Head on over to SSI for some great inspiration!

December Sketch Challenge

Another Monday, and another challenge over at SSI!  Today we have a great sketch for you.  Here it is:

I decided to stick with the ornament shape but flip the sketch.  Here is my card:

I was all about sparkle and shine with this card.  I chose to use a black, white and gold color combo for a very elegant Christmas Card.  The glitter splotches behind that gorgeous ornament in Black Glimmer paper were made withthe fine tip glue pen and the gold glitter.  I coated the Celebrate wood piece in the fine tip glue and sprinkled it with gold glitter as well.  Both the Black Glimmer Paper AND the Winter Wonderland Vellum are on the Year End Close Out Sale!    

What a fun sketch, right?  Upload your creation over at SSI today! 

Christmas Tags

Last year I decided that all my Christmas Gifts would have handmade tags on them.  To help with this endeavor, I got the fabulous Oh What Fun Tag Kit in the Holiday catalog.  But I also wanted to design a few of my own as well.  Here are two fun tags I created:

  

The left used "Jolly" from the Christmas Greeting Thinlits and the deer from Jolly Christmas stamped in Soft Suede.  The one on the right uses the Embellished Ornaments in Blackberry Bliss with gold accents.  The Merry Wishes comes from the Oh What Fun stamp set, which will be available to purchase after the Holiday catalog retires.  

Thanks so much for looking at my tags!  Be sure to check out the other tags from the fabulous designers over at SSI!  

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Hello and welcome to our December Blog Hop!  Today we are hopping about all things Christmas.  I love crafting for Christmas, it is my absolute favorite.  All my Christmas cards are handmade as well as all my tags for packages.  And I am always looking for new ideas, so this hop will be great!  I can't wait to see what the other designers come up with.  As you hop along, please be sure to comment and show some love on every blog! We are always excited to hear from our followers! You should have just left stop number 9 on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Hop - (Heidi at Stuck on Stampin'). If so, you are in the right spot. If a link doesn't work or you get off track, you will find the full blog hop lineup below.  

I have a card and a tag to share with you today.  Up first is one of my favorite Christmas Cards I made this year.  

Don't you just love the window framelit?  You can keep loving because it will be in the next catalog!  The card base is Soft Sky and the striped wallpaper looking DSP is from the Season of Cheer DSP.  I created a wintry scene with the Happy Scenes stamp set (which I got bundled with the window framelits).  It is hard to see in the picture but there is some Dazzling Details on the ground and in the snow for a soft glittery effect.  The Santa is fussy cut from the Home for Christmas DSP.  As for the Noel, that came from the Wondrous Wreath framelits which can still be found in the Annual Catalog.  I cut it from the Red Foil paper which will also be returning in the Occasions Catalog.  Here is a peek at home I stamped the envelope to go with the card:  

I also have a little tag to share as well:

That little deer is so dear!  This tag came together so quickly.  I cut the base in Early Espresso and used the Ornate Tag Topper Punch on the top.  The holly background paper and the little deer come from the Home For Christmas DSP.  I used the 2 3/8" scallop circle punch in Cherry Cobbler and the 2" circle punch in Very Vanilla.  The To/From comes from the Wondrous Wreath stamp set.  I finished it off with some Cherry Cobbler Thick Twine.  I love both of these projects!  

And because its almost Christmas, I am in the giving mood.  Here is a sneak peek at some of the new stuff in the Occasions Catalog using that same Window Frame thinlit.  

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Next up is Darcy over at Dj's Stampin' Place.

Blog Hop Participant List:

1. Jennifer at Jenny G Paper Crafts
2. Darcy at Dj's Stampin Place
3. Diana at Stampin Fun with Diana
4. Bree at Craft-Somnia Momma
5. Leanne at Literally My Joy
6. Laura at Crafty Chicks Creating
7. Melissa at The Stamp Doc
8. Kim at Stamping with Kim
9. Heidi at Stuck on Stampin'

Birthday Balloon Bouquet

When I saw the challenge over at CASE this Sketch, I knew I would have to give it a go.  But I wanted to wait until I got a box of new things from Stampin' Up!  And to make it totally perfect, I needed a birthday card for a friend!  Here is the sketch:

Here is my card:

Now you have a sneak peek of a new balloon stamp set and punch bundle alone with some fabulous new DSP called Birthday Bouquet.  The colors are so soft and pretty in this paper.  I just love them.  Here is the inside:

I stamped the corners and the string in Mint Macaron and a little Blushing Bride Bow onthe string.  The balloon is punched from that fabulous new DSP.

I decided to stamp a bunch of balloon on the envelope.  I love this set and can't wait to play with it some more!  Thanks for looking!

Making Spirits Bright

I have another one of my Christmas Cards to share with you today.  It uses the Among The Branches Bundle.  Check it out:

I used Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla (sponged with Soft Suede) and Gold for my colors.  Hanging my ornaments was so easy.  Each one got either a bow with the Gold Cording Trim or a gold sequin.  And one of my favorite accessories is the Gold Metallic Doilies.  Here is a peek at the inside:

I decided to offset me inside sentiment, which is from Festival of Trees and stamp another adorned branch inside.  Here is the envelope:

Another branch stamped on a Very Vanilla envelope.  I love the idea of stamping all my envelopes.  I just think it completes the whole project.  

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  For more Christmas card ideas, check back with the gals over at SSI.  

December Color Challenge

It is the first Monday of the month and we have a great Color Challenge for you over at SSI!  Check it out:

When I saw the browns, I knew I wanted to use the deer from Jolly Christmas.  Here is my card:

This card came together quickly.  I had just ordered myself a new Early Espresso ink pad so my deer stamped perfectly the first time.  I added the stars around in Tip Top Taupe.  I used Real Red for the sentiment and added some cotton ribbon and a candy dot to make my deer Rudolph!  Such a fun, quick and easy card!  

Now its your turn to upload your creation using these awesome colors over at SSI!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Okay so I might not actually mean that.  I like snow in terms of decoration and crafting, but I am not looking forward to blizzard like weather.  Although a few little flurries here and there would be nice.  I have a cute snowflake themed Christmas Card for you today featuring the Flurry of Wishes Bundle.   

I actually won the stamp set at Convention.  I have all the snowflakes sets in the past few years.  And I will keep them because I love them!  I do love how easy this punch is to line up as well!  Here is the card I made:

I used Sofy Sky, Pear Pizzazz, Smoky Slate and Whisper White for this card.  I had to also use the Softly Falling embossing folder, it has become my FAVORITE!  The snowflakes are heat embossed on Vellum.  I inked up the end of my sentiment in Pear Pizzazz and added some candy dots and some Iced Rhinestones as well.  Here is a peak at the inside:

I stamped off first and then stamped the large snowflake in Soft Sky and then stamped the sentiment over top in Smoky Slate.  Here is how I decorated the envelope:

A few snowflakes stamped off the edge to complete the whole project.  

If you would like to see more Snowflake inspired projects, please head over to SSI!

An Elegant Ornament

I have so many things to do now that December is here.  But I have to take some time to myself and do what I love and that is create. But today, I needed a little help, so I checked out two of my favorite challenge sites; Freshly Made Sketches and Color Throwdown.  Here are the challenges:

I was thrilled when this came together so quickly!  Here is my card:

Here I am using the Delicate Ornaments Bundle and the Winter Wonderland Vellum along with some Black Glimmer Paper, Gold Foil, Gold Glitter Ribbon and some Gold Cording trim.  The sentiment is embossed with gold embossing powder right onto the vellum.  I love when an idea you have just works!  

Although honestly, I did have one hiccup along the way.  When cutting Glimmer paper with your Big Shot, it has been suggested to flip it over so you cut the paper side on the back.  Well I tried that and this is what happened:

I took it as a sign to go a different direction.  But it did give me a laugh.  Thanks for checking out my project today!